Dad was discharged today and arrived home a couple of hours ago. It's been a long and arduous journey back since that day, exactly six weeks ago, when he walked up the hill to church, but he is very pleased and relieved.

He's also very tired and is now in bed but wants to say thanks to everyone who has taken such an interest in his progress. I would imagine he will post something on here himself in the next day or two.

Our priority now is to ensure that he regains his customary vigour and for us all to try and get back to normal - as far as possible at least.

We've had amazing support from our friends. It was so strange that Dad and our neighbour were in the hospital together comparing notes. Four of us stayed in the hotel in Basildon, visiting the hospital each day. In the end we settled into something of a routine and once Dad started to recover from the surgery we had quite good fun really.

Ciaran